Pope entrusts visit to Hungary to Blessed Virgin Mary

By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis has visited the Basilica of St Mary Major more than 100 times, the latest on Wednesday morning ahead of his 41st Apostolic Journey outside of Italy.

The Pope will visit the Hungarian capital, Budapest, this weekend, on 28-30 April, for a visit which will take him to the heart of a Europe “upon which the icy winds of war continue to blow.”
 

The Pope made the remark during the Regina Coeli this past Sunday, and commented on the urgent humanitarian issues that have arisen due to the movment “of so many peoples.”

At the same time, he noted that this Journey completes a previous visit to Budapest, in mid-September 2021, when he attended the International Eucharistic Congress being held in the city.

During his visit to St Mary Major on Wednesday, the Holy Father prayed before the image of Mary, “Salus Populi Romani” (Salvation of the Roman People), an icon held in great veneration by Romans.

According to the Holy See Press Office, Pope Francis, seated in his wheelchair, prayed for a few moments in silence before the image of the blessed Virgin. After invoking her protection for the upcoming Journey, the Holy Father returned immediately to the Vatican.